Going Green in Singapore

by Rosemarie John on March 8, 2012

As sustainability is promoted through all aspects of i Light Marina Bay 2012, the festival encourages buildings around Singapore to be energy efficient by taking part in the “Switch Off, Turn Up” campaign.

Over the 24-day festival period, forty-two buildings within and beyond the Marina Bay precinct will consciously commit to switching off non-essential indoor/outdoor lighting and office equipment whenever possible while also turning up air-conditioning temperatures to a comfortable 24-25 degrees during office hours. In its second term running, this energy efficiency campaign has doubled in the number of buildings participating compared to the 16 properties that participated in the inaugural edition in 2010.

What is sustainable energy?

It is the provision of energy in a way that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability to provide adequately for future needs. Technologies that promote sustainable energy include renewable energy sources such as hydroelectricity, solar, wind and geothermal energy, wave and tidal power and any technology designed to improve energy efficiency.

“Participants in the last campaign collectively saved more than 41,000 kWh of electricity”, said Mark Goh, Deputy Director of Place Management at the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). Being the only light art festival in Asia to advocate energy-efficient lighting technology, professional sustainability consultants have been engaged to work with all event partners, artists, contractors and suppliers to ensure that suitable practices are incorporated to reduce energy use, while managing resources and minimising waste.

The festivals interactive and dynamic artworks represent designers from 17 countries and territories. “Not only do these innovative light artworks collectively celebrate the unique qualities of Marina Bay’s night scape, they also draw attention to the importance of energy-efficient technology and the efforts that can be taken to ensure a sustainable urban environment for all”, added Goh.

Supporting i Light Marina Bay 2012 is Singapore based integrated energy company The PowerSeraya Group. “Highlighting the importance of environmental awareness as well as energy conservation through PowerSeraya’s outreach programmes forms an integral part of our efforts to promote a sustainable environment”, said John Ng, CEO of PowerSeraya. “The festival will bring this similar message to a broader community, which we hope will encourage them to use energy and resources responsibly”, he added.

The list of participating buildings are:

16 Collyer Quay

71 Robinson Road

ArtScience Museum

Ascott Raffles Place

Asia Square

Central Mall Office Conservations

Central Mall Office Towers

City House

City Square Mall

Conrad Centennial Singapore

Equity Plaza

F1 Pit Building

Fuji Xerox Towers

HSBC Building

King’s Centre

Manulife Centre

Marina Barrage

Marina Bay Financial Centre

Marina Bay Link Mall

Marina Bay Sands

Marina Mandarin Hotel

Marina South Pier

Maybank Tower

New Tech Park

Ocean Financial Centre

One Marina Boulevard

One Raffles Place

One Raffles Quay

OUE Bayfront

Palais Rennaisance

Pan Pacific Singapore

Pico Creative Centre

Republic Plaza

Singapore Flyer

Straits Trading Building

Tampines Concourse

Tampines Grande

The Esplanade

The Fullerton Heritage

The URA Centre

Tung Centre

Wisma Atria

Singapore as a nation has always been working towards greener living as they try to create a lasting impact on climate change by collaborating with people, industries and governments to encourage and achieve sustainable urbanisation for many years to come. “With additional support from corporations to reduce power consumption during the festival period, i Light Marina Bay is fast becoming a leading ecological light art festival”, said Mary-Anne Kyriakou, Festival Director.

The i Light Marina Bay festival will also be participating in this year’s Earth Hour by turning all art installations off from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on 31 March 2012. Click here for smart tips and steps towards a sustainable future! There are many places to stay in Singapore and you’re never far away from the many attractions on offer.

**UPCOMING POSTS** Photographs and reviews of light art installations and events that captivate me during the festival!

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*Photos captured using Panasonic LUMIX GF3, the official camera for i Light Marina Bay.